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Wednesday, 29 October 2014

There are many expatriates in KSA who come here in different sectors. Some come for education, few for
medical jobs especially lady doctors, some are ambassadors and many other come
in different other regards. Most expatriates stay in Kingdom for medical and
teaching jobs. They are located in different locations of KSA. Expatriates in
KSA have to face many problems at many steps. They have to reside with other
expatriates at different locations in KSA. These expatriates find it difficult
to get houses for being unaware of the location. They are also unaware of
Arabic language. Some expatriates get housing facilities from employer whereas
those who are not facilitated with these compounds have to arrange their own
housing. New location, strange area, unawareness of language and cultural
difference make it difficult for expatriates to survive in KSA with ease.

How
to make friends and deal with them in KSA?

In case Saudi expatriate is
a woman, it is impossible for her to live in an alone apartment without a
mahrem (male member with legal relationship). It is difficult for an expat
female to get involve socially with Saudi women. It takes a lot of time and
efforts. One way to recognize people socially is to attend local events, to
visit market and get a membership of Islamic center. If an expat want to get
familiar with neighbors and rest of the community he/she has to become familiar
with Arabic language. The best way to get familiar with neighbors is to invite
them on dinner. In order to arrange a [productive and fruitful dinner or party
it is compulsory to get familiar with customs and traditions. Saudi people are
so touchy and sensitive regarding traditional values. A single woman expat
should avoid inviting a male alone at home as it is against the law of KSA.
Although social gatherings are good for expats but a little careless act may
result in severe consequences.

A
lot of Travelling

Traveling for expatriates
is also challenging for in KSA. In case a group of expats move together that is
a better option than moving alone. Usually Unawareness about locations and
travelling routes may cause difficulty for them to enjoy any trip of traveling
event. In this regard it is appropriate to hire a guide from a specific area or
at least search about it on the internet. Now days with the help of mobile
devices and maps installed in them, it is much easier to move alone. It is also
recommended to get an in city map or guide book about main locations of KSA if
you don’t have it in your mobile phone.

Education
of Expatriate’s Children

Another main issue is the
education of expatriate’s children. They have to send their children in private
schools of their respective countries. These schools require huge amounts as
fee charges. Which are some times even more than household expenses?

Social
Familiarity Issue

Besides residence,
travelling and social familiarity there are many other problems faced by
expatriates in KSA. Major issue relate to their work places. Usually they are
treated as second citizen in Kingdom and this create a sense of insecurity
among them. It further moves down their morale and work efficiency level. Due
to these reasons state can’t get that much productivity from their talents as
expected.